UBA Committee Ruling: Nekota Crowned New Light Heavyweight Champion After Controversial title fight

The highly anticipated Light Heavyweight title rematch between Sage and Nekota ended in controversy after the fight w

as marred by technical issues within the Public Test Channel (PTC) build of Thrill of the Fight 2.

The PTC’s experimental clinch system — designed to test new collision mechanics — proved overly sensitive, causing more than ten forced separations throughout the five-round bout. This resulted in a frustrating rhythm of interruptions that stripped the contest of its natural flow and intensity.

Sage, known for his pressure-heavy, infighting style, repeatedly pushed into close range to close the distance against Nekota’s longer reach and rangier frame. Unfortunately, this stylistic clash became the perfect storm under the PTC’s unstable physics: every time Sage entered Nekota’s space, the game often misread the proximity as a clinch. This caused numerous breaks, point deductions, and mounting frustration for the defending champion.

Technical Breakdown and Forfeit

The tension reached its peak in Round 5, when a technical glitch stopped the fight entirely. After review, the UBA Committee authorized a restart of the final round, but Sage refused to continue, citing unfair officiating and an unplayable clinch environment.

Under UBA rules, refusal to resume following an approved restart constitutes a forfeit, prompting an official scoring review to determine the final result.

Official and Adjusted Scorecards

Source	Result
TOTF2 AI Scorecard	36–29 Nekota
UBA Committee (Official)	36–30 Nekota
UBA Committee (Penalties Removed)	37–33 Nekota
UBA Committee (Round 5 Scored + Penalties Applied)	44–40 Nekota

After full review of the rematch, all official and adjusted scorecards confirmed the same outcome: Nekota wins in every possible scoring scenario.

Even when all clinch penalties were removed, Nekota still led on both score and performance. While the constant clinch interruptions disrupted the fight’s rhythm, the Committee also noted that Nekota was penalized during the exchanges — confirming that both fighters suffered from the unstable mechanics.

In-Depth Clinch & Penalty Review

Each clinch instance was analyzed individually. The review confirmed that while both fighters were involved in repeated collisions, Sage initiated the majority, particularly in Rounds 1–3. These were not intentional holds but the result of Sage’s forward-pressing infighting approach conflicting with Nekota’s defensive footwork and extended reach.

Nekota also received penalties for circling behind Sage and for moments where the PTC physics registered phantom contact. Even with all related penalties reviewed and removed, the Committee found that the outcome remained unchanged.

“Even with the clinch penalties removed, Nekota still led on score and performance,” the official review concluded. “While we acknowledge the clinch exchanges disrupted the fight’s rhythm, it’s important to note that Nekota was also penalized.”

Final Determination

Following full review of the footage, scoring, and referee notes, the UBA Committee officially declares Nekota the winner and new Light Heavyweight Champion.

The match stands as a disappointing outcome for both fighters — a fight that could have been a showcase of skill and rivalry instead defined by technical interference.

Final Result:🏆 Nekota defeats Sage via Technical Committee DecisionNew UBA Light Heavyweight Champion